I plan to retrofit the doors of my Ikea BESTÅ sideboard with magnetic catches because the plastic snap locks no longer hold well, and I want a quiet, smooth closing. I prefer to use as inconspicuous magnets as possible that don’t require large drill holes or cause visible changes to the front. Does anyone have experience with the best way to install such magnetic catches on BESTÅ doors? Are small neodymium magnets recommended behind the door or inside the cabinet frame? Do I need to remove the door or use special adapters? I’m also interested in tips on appropriate magnet strengths and placements to ensure the doors close securely without sticking permanently or being too hard to open. Any detailed instructions or perhaps a step-by-step tip for the retrofit would be greatly appreciated!
Magnetic catches can be glued or screwed behind the door, depending on the material you are working with. Neodymium magnets are very strong; a diameter of 10-15mm (0.4-0.6 inches) is usually sufficient. Removing the doors makes installation much easier. It is best to attach a metal plate or a corresponding magnetic surface to the cabinet body to ensure a good hold.
Tarso1 schrieb:
I plan to retrofit the doors of my Ikea BESTÅ sideboard with magnetic catches because the plastic snap locks no longer hold well, and I want a quiet, smooth closing.Regarding retrofitting, I recommend the following approach:
- Use neodymium cup magnets with a holding force of about 3-5 kg (6.6-11 lbs). These are reliable and compact.
- Installation is best done from the inside, meaning the back of the door and the inside of the cabinet frame.
- Avoid drilling holes if possible. If necessary, you can mill or drill small recesses to flush-mount the magnets.
- For the counterparts on the cabinet, stainless steel or galvanized steel plates are suitable to improve magnet adhesion.
- Position the magnets around the middle height or slightly offset from the door hinges to create a natural closing action.
- It is important to first remove the doors and carefully determine the magnet positions by trial and error.
This method ensures a secure hold without visible changes to the door front.
Devin schrieb:
You can attach magnetic catches behind the door either by gluing or screwing them in, depending on what your material allows.However, this simplified explanation overlooks potential issues such as material thickness and the durability of the adhesive.
Simply gluing magnets onto thin doors from the BESTÅ series may result in the adhesion weakening due to regular opening and closing. If you use screws, there is a risk of the material tearing out, so detailed knowledge of the door’s construction is necessary.
kauti schrieb:
Drilling should be avoided if possible. If necessary, you can mill or drill small recesses to countersink the magnets flush.I agree that recessing magnets is especially advantageous for a flush design; however, milling requires craftsmanship skills and the right tools. Without these, you risk damaging the door.
Question for the original poster: What are your DIY skills and what tools do you have available? This is crucial to provide a suitable recommendation.
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